Southampton lodged a complaint to PGMOL after Clattenburg said to the midfielder: "You are very different now, since you've played for England - you never used to be like this."

The remark happened on December 29 during the Saint's defeat at Everton.

Southampton took offense to this remark but the FA cleared the ref of any wrongdoing.

“The FA will not be taking any further action”

The FA

The FA said: "The FA has given its full consideration to this matter and it is our view that the comments, as disclosed in Southampton's letter of complaint, do not constitute misconduct under the FA's rules.

"The FA will not be taking any further action in relation to this matter and now considers this case to be closed."

At the time the South Coast club were keen to avoid being officiated by Clattenburg, but the FA confirmed that he would take charge of their trip to West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Clattenburg was previously cleared of a complaint by Chelsea that he racially abused their player John Obi Mikel and has since taken charge of games involving the London club.